2016 NFL Draft Prospects: Defensive Ends

By Charlie Campbell.
Send Charlie an e-mail here: [email protected]
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The top 2016 defensive end prospects available for the 2016 NFL Draft. * – denotes 2017 prospect. ** – denotes 2018 prospect.

This page was last updated April 27, 2016. Follow Walter @walterfootball for updates.

1. Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State
   Height: 6-5. Weight: 269. Arm: 33.38.
   40 Time: 4.86.
   Projected Round (2016): Top-10 Pick.
   4/27/16: At the combine, Bosa had a decent performance despite his 40 time being slower than expected, but his team interviews resulting in some mixed reviews. Teams have concerns about Bosa being a hard-partier and using party drugs like molly and ecstasy. He told teams he was suspended for the season opener because he refused to take the drug test. While teams have those concerns, Bosa is a likely top-10 pick, and sources with Tennessee said in mid-March that Bosa was one of the finalists for the No. 1 pick – which now belongs to the Rams – along with Laremy Tunsil and Jalen Ramsey.
   
   Sources say that Bosa is like another Ryan Kerrigan for the NFL and the media has overhyped him. After missing the 2015 season opener with a suspension, Bosa totaled 51 tackles with 16 for a loss and five sacks for the year. While he didn’t play poorly, he wasn’t as tenacious as he was in 2014, despite seeing single-block pass-rushing opportunities. Bosa looked better as a run defender. He achieved pressure on the quarterback, but wasn’t as prolific in the pass rush compared to his sophomore year. Bosa didn’t play with as much reckless abandon as in past seasons, and he wouldn’t be the first highly rated junior who was restraining his play to protect himself from injury.
   
   8/22/15: Bosa will miss the first game of 2015 over a suspension for violating team rules. It will be interesting to see if this comes back to hurt him in the future. In 2014, Bosa recorded 55 tackles with 13.5 sacks, 21 tackles for a loss, four forced fumbles and pass defended. He simply lived in opponents’ backfields. The 6-foot-5, 285-pounder has quickness to go with natural strength. He has a serious burst off the snap with the speed to turn the corner. The sophomore also displayed good hands to shed blocks while working upfield. Many have compared Bosa to J.J. Watt, but that isn’t fair to Bosa as Watt has rewritten NFL record books and is the best player in the NFL. That being said, Bosa is a great prospect who looks like he has the talent to be perennial Pro Bowler and double-digit sacker.
   
   Bosa was one of the best freshmen in 2013 and clearly is full of talent. He racked up 44 tackles with 13.5 tackles for a loss, 7.5 sacks and one forced fumble that season.





2. DeForest Buckner, DE/DT, Oregon
   Height: 6-7. Weight: 290. Arm: 34.38.
   40 Time: 5.05.
   Projected Round (2015): Top-10 Pick.
   4/27/16: Sources at teams picking late in the top 10 believe that Buckner will go earlier and won’t slide in the top 10. At the combine, Buckner had a solid workout, but didn’t blow it out of the water. Sources say that Buckner is good kid and they have given him high marks for character.
   
   Buckner has a serious skill set with size and speed. He can beat blockers with power and has the speed to close on the quarterback. With his flexible size, Buckner can be moved around the line from end to tackle. He would fit as an end/tackle in a 4-3 and a five-technique defensive end in a 3-4. Buckner is in the running to be the first defensive player selected in the 2016 NFL Draft.
   
   In 2015, Buckner had 76 tackles with 16 for a loss, 9.5 sacks and five passes batted. He played really well for the Ducks as a run defender and showed more pass-rush potential, which hasn’t been easy to display for many Oregon products. The Ducks’ scheme suppressed the pass-rush potential of other edge rushers like Arik Armstead and Dion Jordan.
   
   8/22/15: Buckner has a similar skill set to former teammate Arik Armstead. Buckner recorded 81 tackles with 13 tackles for a loss, four sacks and four passes broken up in 2014. He looks capable of a big senior year, but Oregon’s scheme doesn’t lend itself to big sack totals as evidenced by Armstead and Dion Jordan.



3. Shaq Lawson*, DE, Clemson
   Height: 6-2. Weight: 269. Arm: 32.75.
   40 Time: 4.70.
   Projected Round (2016): 1-2.
   4/27/16: At the combine, Lawson ran fast and did well in the team drills. He showed that he could be a fit as a 3-4 outside linebacker. Some teams have second-round grades on Lawson, but like with teammate Kevin Dodd, they wouldn’t be surprised if he goes in the first round. A few team sources said they expect Lawson to go in the No. 10-25 range.
   
   Lawson played well for Clemson in 2015 and was a quality defender against the run, while also putting steady pressure on the quarterback. He totaled 60 tackles, 25.5 tackles for a loss, 12.5 sacks and one forced fumble on the year. Lawson turned in strong performances against Louisville and Notre Dame. He is a smooth defender who has some natural pass-rushing skills, but isn’t explosive or super twitchy. For the NFL, Lawson fits a 4-3 defense, but he isn’t a good fit in a 3-4.
   
   8/22/15: In 2014, Lawson was part of Clemson’s tough defense as a rotational backup. He totaled 34 tackles with 11 for a loss and 3.5 sacks. Lawson played better than the numbers indicate as he only started one game due to the presence of three seniors, including Vic Beasley. Clemson was so loaded at defensive end that it was hard for snaps to go to the sophomore Lawson. He is being counted on to replace Beasley this season.



4. Kevin Dodd*, DE, Clemson
   Height: 6-5. Weight: 277.
   40 Time: 4.86.
   Projected Round (2016): 1-2.
   4/27/16: Sources at some teams are grading Dodd in the second round, but across the league, team contacts expect him to go in Round 1. Dodd had a decent performance at the combine and didn’t harm his draft stock. Teams that run a 3-4 defense say they don’t see a good fit for Dodd in their scheme and he’s really a 4-3 base end.
   
   Dodd put an exclamation point on his breakout 2015 season with a tremendous National Championship game against Alabama. He abused the Crimson Tide’s right tackle with speed and power to record three sacks of quarterback Jacob Coker.
   
   After being buried on the depth chart in previous seasons, Dodd and Shaq Lawson were able to make life hard on quarterbacks in 2015. Dodd totaled 62 tackles with 23.5 for a loss, 12 sacks, and one forced fumble on the year. He had a total of 21 tackles over his previous three years.



5. Emmanuel Ogbah*, DE, Oklahoma State
   Height: 6-4. Weight: 273. Arm: 35.5.
   40 Time: 4.63.
   Projected Round (2016): 1-3.
   4/27/16: Ogbah excelled at the combine, putting up a surprising 40 time. He also did well in the field drills. Ogbah showed that he has speed and athleticism to develop for the NFL. Sources say they rate Ogbah as a mid- to late first-rounder. The reason he isn’t higher is a lack of consistency.
   
   Ogbah was very good during the 2015 season, notching at least one sack in all but two games. He totaled 64 tackles, 17.5 for a loss, three forced fumbles and 13 sacks on the year. Ogbah can beat offensive linemen with strength and speed. He also had strong showings against Kansas State’s Cody Whitehair and Texas Tech’s Le’Raven Clark, two future NFL competitors.
   
   8/22/15: Ogbah broke out for the Cowboys in 2014 with 11 sacks, 49 tackles, 17 tackles for a loss, one forced fumble and five passes batted. He has quickness to go with strength and made a lot of plays in the backfield. Ogbah isn’t a pure speed rusher or quick twitch, but he has power, plays the run well and has a good motor. As a freshman in 2013, Ogbah had four sacks and 20 tackles while rotating into the game.



6. Robert Nkemdiche, DE/DT, Ole Miss
   Height: 6-3. Weight: 294. Arm: 33.88.
   40 Time: 4.87.
   Projected Round (2016): 1-2.
   4/27/16: At the combine, Nkemdiche interview poorly with teams, and it served to confirm the major off-the-field concerns with him. On the field, Nkemdiche had a good workout as expected. That was reinforced at his pro day.
   
   Late last year, Nkemdiche added to the off-the-field questions he will face from NFL teams when he fell from the fourth floor of an Atlanta hotel room in December. Marijuana was found in his hotel room and he was arrested. That caused Nkemdiche to be suspended for his bowl game.
   
   Nkemdiche recorded 29 tackles, seven for a loss and three sacks in 2015. His best performance of the year was against Alabama with six tackles, one sack and another 1.5 of his tackles were for a loss. Nkemdiche left the game against Memphis with a concussion and missed another contest.
   
   Nkemdiche has a tremendous skill set with the speed and agility of a linebacker. For the NFL, there is no doubt that he has the skill set to be a disruptive presence at the point of attack. However, Nkemdiche struggles to finish plays after breaking into the backfield. He lacks pass-rushing moves and has poor awareness. Thus, Nkemdiche underachieved in production.
   
   Sources say that Nkemdiche isn’t a natural pass-rusher, and his lack of sacks in his career illustrates that. They also have a lot of off-the-field concerns with Nkemdiche as one source said that Nkemdiche loves the limelight and wants to be a movie star. Another source said that Nkemdiche’s brother Denzel brings a lot of off-the-field concerns with him and Denzel is expected to move with Robert wherever he lands in the NFL.
   
   8/22/15: Laquan Treadwell and Laremy Tunsil weren’t the only star recruits to choose Ole Miss in an amazing 2013 class. Nkemdiche was considered to be the No. 1 player in the nation. He certainly flashed more than once in 2013. The freshman totaled 34 tackles with two sacks and eight tackles for a loss that year.
   
   Nkemdiche has tons of physical talent with speed and athleticism. He could grow into a defensive tackle. In 2014, Nkemdiche recorded 35 tackles with two sacks. Thus far, he has not looked like a natural pass-rusher. Nkemdiche flashes serious size and speed talent, but lacks consistency. Perhaps that will come as a junior.





7. Noah Spence, DE, Eastern Kentucky
   Height: 6-2. Weight: 254. Arm: 31. Hand: 10.
   40 Time: 4.80.
   Projected Round (2015): 1-2.
   4/27/16: Spence is on the bubble between the late first round and early second round. In Indianapolis, Spence had a rough combine performance with a slow 40 and did not standout in the field drills. His 40 time was hardly any better at his pro day less than a week later.
   
   At the Senior Bowl, Spence had a tremendous week as he used his speed to abuse offensive tackles. Spence is extremely fast off the edge with excellent agility to weave around blockers. He can have issues getting off blocks when linemen get their hands on him, but they have a hard time getting a hold of him. While Spence did well in practice, team sources said he did not do well in their interviews. That was the same feedback from the combine.
   
   Spence overwhelmed weaker competition in 2015 with 63 tackles with 22.5 for a loss and 11.5 sacks. Some teams see Spence as a first-round caliber player while others rate him in the second round, aside from his off-the-field issues. With the character concerns, Spence could slip to the second round. Other players with similar off-the-field issues of drug use and/or leaving their original school like Randy Gregory, Janoris Jenkins or Tyrann Mathieu were all second-day picks.
   
   8/22/15: Spence has speed off the edge with some natural strength. He played well for Ohio State in 2013, collecting 52 tackles, 14.5 tackles for a loss, eight sacks, one forced fumble and two passes broken up. However to end that season, Spence was suspended for three games. He was then suspended in 2014 for repeated failed drug tests.
   
   Spence transferred to Eastern Kentucky and was arrested in May of 2015 for public intoxication.



8. Jonathan Bullard, DE/DT, Florida
   Height: 6-3. Weight: 285. Arm: 33.63.
   40 Time: 4.93.
   Projected Round (2016): 1-2.
   4/27/16: If Bullard were bigger, he could be a pick in the top half of the first round. However, he is a tweener tackle/end, and that hurts his draft stock. Bullard had a strong workout at the combine where he showed his good speed and athleticism.
   
   Bullard played really well for Florida in 2015, making 66 tackles with 17.5 for a loss, 6.5 sacks and two passes batted. He was one of the SEC’s best run defenders on the defensive line and demonstrated the ability to rush well from the inside. For the NFL, Bullard would be best in a 4-3 defense as a defensive end in running situations who moves inside in the sub package.
   
   8/22/15: Bullard totaled 52 tackles with 8.5 tackles for a loss, 2.5 sacks, and two passes batted in 2014, coming on strong late in the season. He is a quick defender at the point of attack, but needs to add weight for the NFL.
   
   Injuries forced Bullard to play out of position at defensive tackle in 2013, but he had 33 tackles with 2.5 tackles for a loss and 1.5 sacks there. Bullard recorded 27 tackles with five tackles for a loss, 1.5 sacks and one pass batted in 2012.



9. Shilique Calhoun, DE, Michigan State
   Height: 6-4. Weight: 251. Arm: 34.25.
   40 Time: 4.82.
   Projected Round (2016): 2-3.
   4/27/16: Calhoun played well as a senior. He showed an improved set of pass-rushing moves, including a spin move and a rip move. Calhoun looks like he added more functional strength to hold up in run support and shed blocks in the pass rush.
   
   In 2015, Calhoun recorded 10.5 sacks, 49 tackles, 15 for a loss, one forced fumble and three passes batted. He could fit a 3-4 or 4-3 defense. Sources have said they also like Calhoun’s leadership in the locker room.
   
   8/22/15: Calhoun needs to add some weight for the NFL if he’s going to remain a defensive end. It would help if Calhoun added some functional strength as well. He also needs to add to his repertoire of pass-rushing moves. After a slow start to 2014, Calhoun played better in the second half of the year. The junior speed rusher recorded 39 tackles with 12.5 tackles for a loss, eight sacks and a forced fumble for the season.
   
   Calhoun was one of the top players on Michigan State’s superb defense in 2013. For the year, he recorded 37 tackles with 14 tackles for a loss, 7.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception.



10. Yannick Ngakoue, DE/OLB, Maryland
    Height: 6-2. Weight: 252. Arm: 32.5.
    40 Time: 4.75.
    Projected Round (2016): 2-3.
    4/27/16: Ngakoue played well in 2015 with 38 tackles, 15 for a loss, 13.5 sacks, one forced fumble and one pass breakup. While he hasn’t received a lot of publicity, he could have a lot of potential as a pro edge rusher. Ngakoue has length to him with speed off the edge. He flashed some moves during his Maryland career and played well when taking on future NFL linemen. Ngakoue had a strong combine, and some sources say they would have Ngakoue in the top 50 on their draft boards.
    
    8/22/15: Ngakoue caught my eye in 2014 when he was owning Iowa left tackle Brandon Scherff (the fifth-overall pick to the Redskins in the 2015 NFL Draft). Ngakoue was able to beat Scherff with speed and showed the ability to convert speed to power, putting Scherff on roller skates. In other games Ngakoue played well against Michigan State left tackle Jack Conklin and Ohio State left tackle Taylor Decker. Ngakoue totaled 37 tackles with 13.5 for a loss, six sacks, and two passes broken up for the year. His best fit could come as a 3-4 outside linebacker.





11. Carl Nassib, DE, Penn State
    Height: 6-6. Weight: 277. Arm: 34.5. Hand: 10.38.
    40 Time: 4.84.
    Projected Round (2016): 3-4.
    4/27/16: Team sources say they expect Nassib to probably go on the second day of the 2016 NFL Draft, but some teams have him graded later than that because they have concerns about his athletic ability translating to the NFL. Nassib led the nation with 15.5 sacks in 2015. He was on fire all year before an injury cost him virtually the final few games of the regular season. The senior also had 46 tackles with 19.5 tackles for a loss and six forced fumbles on the year.
    
    Nassib owns a nice combination of strength and closing speed. He has a good motor and gets some sacks on a second effort. His 2015 production came out of nowhere as he had only only seven tackles with one sack, one forced fumble and a pass breakup in 2014. Even though his production is a 1-year wonder, former head coach Bill O’Brien and current head coach James Franklin have been profuse in their praise for Nassib’s work ethic and practice effort.
    
    Nassib is a former walk-on at Penn State and the younger brother of New York Giants quarterback Ryan Nassib. Carl Nassib was reportedly 50-60 pounds lighter when he arrived at Penn State and has worked extremely hard to get bigger.



12. Charles Tapper, DE, Oklahoma
    Height: 6-2. Weight: 271. Arm: 38.13. Hand: 10.5.
    40 Time: 4.59.
    Projected Round (2015): 3-4.
    4/27/16: At the combine, Tapper was tremendous and sent a real jolt into his draft stock. He had an electric 40 time and did well in the field drills. Tapper really helped himself by showing surprising speed and athleticism.
    
    In 2015, Tapper had 50 tackles, 10 for a loss, seven sacks, four forced fumbles and three passes batted. He was very steady for the Sooners and displayed improved pass-rushing skills as a senior. Tapper had a decent week at the Senior Bowl, but wasn’t overly impressive. He looks like a solid, but unspectacular, left end for a 4-3 defense. He also could be an outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense.
    
    8/22/15: In 2014, Tapper had 37 tackles with three sacks, one forced fumble, two passes broken up and 7.5 tackles for a loss as a 3-4 defensive end. He broke into the starting lineup for Oklahoma in 2013 and had a strong debut as a First-Team All-Big XII selection by the conference’s coaches. The sophomore totaled 49 tackles with nine tackles for a loss, 5.5 sacks, and a pass batted. Tapper has a nice combination of size, strength and quickness.



13. Bronson Kaufusi, DE, BYU
    Height: 6-6. Weight: 285. Arm: 34.13. Hand: 9.5.
    40 Time: 4.87.
    Projected Round (2016): 3-4.
    4/27/16: Kaufusi totaled 64 tackles, 20 tackles for a loss, 11 sacks, one interception and three forced fumbles in 2015. He has a nice skill set with size, strength and speed, but he needs to improve his ability to get off blocks. Kaufusi had a decent week at the Senior Bowl, but really didn’t improve his draft stock. That was the same result from his combine workout.
    
    8/22/15: Kaufusi had 43 tackles with 11.5 tackles for a loss, five passes broken up and seven sacks in 2014. He dealt with injuries in the early portion of the season. In 2013, the sophomore had a decent year with 37 tackles, seven tackles for a loss, four sacks, one interception and a forced fumble.



14. Alex McCalister*, DE, Florida
    Height: 6-6. Weight: 239. Arm: 36.
    40 Time: 4.80.
    Projected Round (2016): 3-5.
    4/27/16: McCalister was an effective situational pass-rusher for Florida over the past few seasons. He is fast off the edge with nice length and athleticism. Sources say they are grading McCalister in the mid-rounds and like his potential to be a role player quickly.
    
    In 2015, the redshirt junior totaled 26 tackles with 9.5 for a loss and 6.5 sacks in nine games. He had 23 tackles with six sacks in 2014. McCalister had some minor off-the-field incidents, but team sources say that it wasn’t a big deal and he’s a good kid.





15. Dadi Nicolas, DE/OLB, Virginia Tech
    Height: 6-3. Weight: 235. Arm: 35. Hand: 10.
    40 Time: 4.74.
    Projected Round (2015): 3-5.
    4/27/16: Nicolas had 24 tackles, seven tackles for a loss, 2.5 sacks and one pass broken up in 2015. While the sacks didn’t come in big numbers in his final season, he was still pressuring the quarterback. Some teams have graded out Nicolas for late in the second day of the 2016 NFL Draft as a situational pass-rusher. Teams view his draft range as the third or fourth round.
    
    At the Senior Bowl, Nicolas showed his talent to rush off the edge, but he struggled in the run-game one-on-ones. Nicolas had a strong performance at the combine.
    
    8/22/15: If Nicolas were larger, he would be a high first-round pick due to his natural pass-rushing skills. He will have to move to outside linebacker for the next level and could fit in a 3-4 defense.
    
    In 2014, Nicolas totaled 72 tackles with 18.5 tackles for a loss and nine sacks. He recorded 32 tackles with seven tackles for a loss and four sacks in 2013. Nicolas had 17 tackles with 3.5 tackles for a loss and two sacks the year before.



16. Victor Ochi, DE, Stony Brook
    Height: 6-2. Weight: 245. Arm: 33.75.
    40 Time: 4.86.
    Projected Round (2016): 4-6.
    4/27/16: Throughout the East-West Shrine, Ochi grabbed one’s attention with his great get-off and pure speed around the edge. He did very well in the pass-rushing one-on-ones as his lightning first-step made him very hard for blockers to reach. Ochi made himself some money in St. Petersburg, but his combine 40 was much slower than expected and harmful to his draft stock.
    
    If Ochi can make a NFL roster, his role would probably be as a situational pass-rusher to start out his career. While he has functional upper body strength, Ochi is still too undersized to be a three-down edge defender. His weight is below 250 pounds – in the mid-240s – and therefore he is a better fit as a developmental 3-4 outside linebacker.



17. Jason Fanaika, DE, Utah
    Height: 6-1. Weight: 276. Arm: 33.38. Hand 9.88.
    40 Time: 4.92.
    Projected Round (2016): 4-6.
    4/27/16: In 2015, Fanaika totaled 53 tackles with 10.5 tackles for a loss, four sacks, two forced fumbles and four passes broken up. He was a solid defender for the Utes. As a junior, Fanaika had 55 tackles with 9.5 for a loss and five sacks. At the Senior Bowl, he did not have a significant impact and clearly wasn’t on par with a lot of good defensive line prospects. Fanaika didn’t impress at the combine.





18. Anthony Zettel, DE/DT, Penn State
    Height: 6-4. Weight: 284. Arm: 31.13.
    40 Time: 4.81.
    Projected Round (2016): 4-6.
    4/27/16: Zettel was solid for Penn State with a lot of power at the point of attack. He totaled 47 tackles with 11 for a loss, four sacks, six passes batted and a forced fumble during 2015. Zettel put more pressure on the quarterback than his sack total indicates. He had a quality week at the East-West Shrine, but is top heavy. Zettel needs to build up his lower body to have a strong base for the NFL. He was faster than expected at the combine.
    
    8/22/15: Zettel is undersized for defensive tackle, but he is a quick interior rusher. For the NFL, he will have to move to 4-3 defensive end and could move inside for passing situations. Zettel has the frame to warrant consideration as a five-technique in a 3-4 defense.
    
    Zettel’s 2014 season showed that he has interior pass-rushing skills as he racked up eight sacks. He also had 42 tackles with 17 tackles for a loss. Zettel had four sacks per year as a sophomore and a freshman.



19. Stephen Weatherly, DE/OLB, Vanderbilt
    Height: 6-4. Weight: 267. Arm: 34.5.
    40 Time: 4.61.
    Projected Round (2016): 4-6.
    4/27/16: Weatherly was a surprise early entry into the 2016 NFL Draft and probably should have returned for his senior year. In 2015, the junior recorded 46 tackles with 9.5 for loss, three passes batted, two forced fumbles and 3.5 sacks. He totaled 55 tackles, 12.5 for a loss and 4.5 sacks as a sophomore.
    
    Weatherly worked out really well at the combine. He was fast in the 40 and performed solidly in the field drills.



20. Ebuka Onyemata, DE, Manitoba
    Height: 6-4. Weight: 300.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.11.
    Projected Round (2016): 4-6.
    4/27/16: The Canadian product flashed at the East-West Shrine as he has a nice combination of size and speed. Onyemata carries his weight well and has a lot of upside to develop.



21. James Cowser, DE/OLB, Southern Utah
    Height: 6-3. Weight: 248. Arm: 32.88.
    40 Time: 4.82.
    Projected Round (2016): 4-6.
    4/27/16: Over the past three seasons, Cowser was a force for the Thunderbirds. The senior totaled 68 tackles with 19 for a loss, 13 sacks, and four forced fumbles in 2015. It was very impressive that he finished his career with his highest single-season sack total considering he was a known commodity. In 2014, Cowser had an excellent season with 28.5 tackles for a loss, 85 tackles and 11.5 sacks. As a sophomore, he totaled 77 tackles 10.5 sacks coming off 7.5 sacks as a freshman.
    
    On top of the record of production, Cowser had a nice combine workout. He’s a sleeper prospect for Day 3 who could fit well as a 3-4 outside linebacker.



22. Lawrence Thomas, DE, Michigan State
    Height: 6-3. Weight: 286. Arm: 32.75. Hand: 10.13.
    40 Time: 4.98.
    Projected Round (2016): 5-7.
    4/27/16: In 2015, Thomas totaled 38 tackles with five for a loss, three sacks and six passes batted. He was a solid defender for Michigan State. Thomas had some nice moments at the Senior Bowl, so he could be a sleeper late-rounder with some developmental potential.



23. Tyrone Holmes, DE, Montana
    Height: 6-4. Weight: 250.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.97.
    Projected Round (2016): 5-7.
    4/27/16: Holmes dominated for Montana in 2015 as he totaled 18 sacks, 87 tackles with 21.5 for a loss and three forced fumbles. The previous season, he had 7.5 sacks. Holmes flashed his pass-rushing skills at the East-West Shrine, and that make him a worthy late-round flyer as a potential situational edge rusher.



24. Shawn Oakman, DE, Baylor
    Height: 6-7. Weight: 269. Arm: 35.13. Hand: 10.58.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.96.
    Projected Round (2016): 5-FA.
    4/27/16: Oakman’s draft stock has slid further now that he is under investigation for a sexual assault. That could drop him deep in the 2016 NFL Draft and possibly even into the undrafted ranks.
    
    In 2015, Oakman totaled 43 tackles, 14.5 for a loss, 4.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. He was suspended for the season opener because of a team-rules violation. NFL teams already had off-the-field concerns with Oakman that that suspension will only add to. His play was somewhat disappointing considering the number of pass-rushing opportunities he saw against weak opponents.
    
    At the Senior Bowl, Oakman was not impressive and showed that he is very top heavy. He needs to strengthen his lower body and base. Oakman also didn’t interview well there or at the Combine. His workout at Indianapolis didn’t help either. Oakman would be fortunate to be a second-day pick.
    
    8/22/15: Oakman notched 48 tackles with 18.5 tackles for a loss, 10 sacks, three passes batted and three forced fumbles in 2014. In the early going of the season, he was one of the more impressive players in college football. Oakman cooled down as the season progressed. He lacks instincts and technique, so he needs development. In some ways, Oakman is similar athlete and prospect to Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Margus Hunt, a second-round pick in 2013.
    
    Oakman is strong and quick, but doesn’t play consistently up to his skill set. He looks like a great fit as a five-technique defensive end in a 3-4 defense. Oakman also could be a base end in a 4-3 defense. Baylor also lines him up at defensive tackle and as a standup rush linebacker. Oakman just has to get more consistent and play up to his physical skills. In 2013, he totaled 33 tackles, two sacks and two forced fumbles. Oakman spent 2011 with a redshirt at Penn State. He then sat out the 2012 season after transferring.



25. Theiren Cockran, DE, Minnesota
    Height: 6-6. Weight: 255.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.78.
    Projected Round (2016): 6-FA.
    4/27/16: In 2015, Cockran notched 28 tackles with seven for a loss, three sacks and two passes batted. He has potential, but didn’t produce enough pass rush. Cockran didn’t participate in the combine.
    
    8/22/15: Cockran has some ability and a skill set, but needs to produce more. He recorded 23 tackles, seven for a loss and four sacks with a forced fumble in 2014, but the junior lost his starting job late in the season against Iowa. Cockran was still an All-Big Ten honorable mention. As a sophomore, he played better with 30 tackles and 7.5 sacks and 10 tackles for a loss.



26. Silverberry Mouhon, DE, Cincinnati
    Height: 6-4. Weight: 248.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.73.
    Projected Round (2015): 7-FA.
    4/27/16: Mouhon recorded 42 tackles with 4.5 sacks and eight tackles for a loss in 2015.
    
    8/22/15: Mouhon recorded 46 tackles with four sacks, five tackles for a loss, one pass batted and a forced fumble in 2014. He had an impressive sophomore season with 41 tackles, 12.5 tackles for a loss, 9.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and a pass batted. Mouhon has some natural speed-rushing characteristics.



27. Eddie Yarbrough, DE/OLB, Wyoming
    Height: 6-3. Weight: 251.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.80.
    Projected Round (2016): 6-FA.
    4/27/16: Yarbrough recorded 62 tackles with 10.5 for a loss, seven sacks and one pass batted in 2015. He didn’t work out at the combine.
    
    8/22/15: In 2014, Yarbrough picked up four sacks with 10.5 tackles for a loss and 63 tackles. He also had one pass broken up and a forced fumble. 2013 was even bigger for him with 89 tackles, 12 for a loss, and 6.5 sacks. Yarbrough needs to add weight for the NFL.



28. Jimmy Bean, DE, Oklahoma State
    Height: 6-5. Weight: 264. Arm: 33.5.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.82.
    Projected Round (2016): 7-FA.
    4/27/16: Bean started the 2015 season well before cooling down and then tearing his ACL in his eighth games. He totaled 25 tackles, 10.5 for a loss and 5.5 sacks in his year. Bean went to the combine but didn’t work out.
    
    8/22/15: Bean was a solid edge defender for the Cowboys in 2014. He had 42 tackles with six for a loss, three forced fumbles and 3.5 sacks. Bean broke into the starting lineup in 2013 with 34 tackles, 9.5 for a loss, and 4.5 sacks. The senior needs to ramp up his pass rush in 2015.



29. DaVonte Lambert, DE, Auburn
    Height: 6-2. Weight: 293.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.99.
    Projected Round (2015): 7-FA.
    4/27/16: In 2015, Lambert had 24 tackles, 2.5 for a loss, one sack and a pass batted. He didn’t work out at the combine.
    
    8/22/15: Lambert led Auburn in 2014 with 3.5 sacks. The junior also had 24 tackles with seven tackles for a loss. It wouldn’t be surprising if Lambert moved inside more in 2015 with Gabe Wright in the NFL. Prior to 2014, Lambert played in the junior college ranks.



30. Greg Townsend, DE, USC
    Height: 6-3. Weight: 275.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.85.
    Projected Round (2016): FA.
    4/27/16: Townsend was a backup before breaking into the starting lineup as a senior. In 2015, he had 44 tackles with seven tackles for a loss and two sacks. Townsend didn’t participate in the ombine.



31. Sterling Bailey, DE, Georgia
    Height: 6-3. Weight: 282.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.81.
    Projected Round (2016): FA.
    4/27/16: In 2015, Bailey had 46 tackles with 2.5 for a loss, one sack and two passes broken up. He didn’t participate in the combine.
    
    8/22/15: Bailey has been a backup for Georgia the past few seasons. He totaled 27 tackles with .5 sacks in 2014.

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